Detailed answer

When the skin gets exposed to UV radiation, it produces melanin as a defense mechanism, which results in a tan. This increased production of melanin provides some natural protection against further sunburn, as it absorbs and scatters some of the UV rays. However, it is important to note that this protection is limited. A tan only has an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of around 2 to 4, which means it can block about 50-75% of UVB rays. This level of protection is not enough to completely prevent sunburn or other damage from prolonged sun exposure. Therefore, it is still crucial to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 and to practice other sun protection measures like seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours to ensure optimal sun protection.